From sunrise to sunset we are overwhelmed with emotions. These emotions can fluctuate from happiness to sadness, depression, frustration, anxiety, fear, excitement, guilt, pride or joy. Emotions can be the central point of how we conduct ourselves. It may even be the difference between overcoming an obstacle and allowing circumstances to change our path. Learning to control those emotions and staying focus on the end result we desire may be the key to ensure our goals are met. But, how do you take charge of emotions and focus on the end result?
Most people have the misconception that taking control over your own emotions is easier said than done, but once you learn how to do it, it becomes easier each and every time. The starting point is to identify specific situations where you have allowed your emotions to control you. When you pin point situations where your emotions have interfered with your power to make sound decisions you will be able to find patterns. You will want to begin purposefully searching for these patterns and signs of these feelings you identified throughout your day and interaction with others. This search must be consistent and it must be coupled with a command that helps you re-direct your thoughts and feelings to a neutral and less stressful/emotional state. This exercise can be repeated until it becomes second nature to you.
For me, being able to calm my thoughts and creating a list of undesired feelings worked. It was almost as if once I started I couldn’t stop thinking and writing about all the emotions I felt on a daily basis that brought me down. You can select a time and a place where is most conducive for quietness, in my case the best time to do this is very early in the morning, when my thoughts are fresh. You can write either the feelings that make you happy and motivate you (that’s the ideal but most likely to not happen at first) or you can write about the emotions that negatively affect you repeatedly. While doing this, add information that can help you determine what triggers the particular feeling and think about something that may change the way you feel when presented with an undesirable situation.
As you complete this exercise you will begin feeling lighter internally, as if a huge burden has been lifted. You will also begin noticing that your inner being begins to be more aware and open to suggestions when you are experiencing a particular emotion that you have identify as something you would like to change or control during this activity. Just know that this is an ongoing inner activity. Don’t expect it to work by doing this once for 5 minutes. You must be honest with yourself and consistent. Remember, you must control your emotions or your emotions will control you.
Staying focused on your goal can also help you control those unpredictable feelings. In order to achieve this, it’s imperative that you clearly define the goal you desire. Having a clear vision of your goal can empower you to a point where you are able to overcome situations without allowing feelings to influence or alter your path. Loosing focus of your primary goal will always allow your emotions to get you off your course. So, when you are facing a situation where your emotions are overwhelming you, ask yourself – are these feelings helping me advance my agenda? Or are they taking me away from my goal?
Once the goal is clearly defined, and you are sure of the end result you desire, then supporting activities or action plans must be identified. These activities will support your purpose and help you achieve the desired goal. These action plans should consist of small tasks that can be done on a daily basis. These daily tasks can help you create the discipline necessary to get you where you truly want to be. All that is necessary is a commitment and a strong desire to get somewhere.